MUSIC: Track Record with Jimi Love

JIMI Love is the lead vocalist and guitarist in the UK show ‘Purple Rain’. Following sold-out shows across the UK, ‘Purple Rain’ embarks on its first nationwide tour of Ireland.

This full 8-piece live band will bring their world class live celebration of the music, life and legacy of Prince to Vicar Street on Wednesday, May 18.
    For more information see www.celebrationofprince.com. Tickets are on sale through www.ticketmaster.ie and outlets nationwide. 

1. Best gig you’ve been to in Dublin?

Bill Bailey Limboland at The Olympia.

2. Most memorable moment in Dublin?

The first time we played there, in 2008 at Sin Bar, the night of Prince’s cancelled Croke Park concert. It was my first time in Dublin and I met some wonderful people that will be friends for life!

3. Most ‘want to forget’ moment in Dublin?

I haven’t actually got one of those, if anything there’s a few ‘want to remember’ moments! Every time I’ve been I’ve had such an amazing time…the people, the music…it’s one of my favourite places in the world 

4. First album you bought and last album you bought?

First was ‘Purple Rain’ on 12″ vinyl when I was 10…my godfather played it to me in his car and I was so blown away by it that I volunteered for every chore going until I was able to save up enough money to buy it. The last one was ‘Set You Free’ EP by Matt Wills…watch out for this guy!!

5. When you’re not playing music, what else do you do?

Writing, recording and producing…sound engineering and backline teching. I work quite a lot in the West End on theatre shows…it’s a really interesting world!

6. Who are your influences?

Prince, obviously…Stevie Wonder, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix…and a bit of Slash is my guilty pleasure! Also my godfather Mike who got me into Prince and inspired me to learn guitar, and my late friend Tom Edwards…probably the best guitarist I’ve ever seen and years of being in bands with him set my guitar playing free. I taught myself to play guitar by jamming along with all sorts of different albums and styles, the list could go on and on.

7. Any tips on life?

Treat people with kindness and respect and it will come back to you. Believe in yourself. Put some Prince on!

8. First person you’d invite to your party?

Emma Blakk. 

9. Last person you’d invite to your party?

Donald Trump